About Washington, DC

With a population of about 5.3 million people, the Washington, DC metropolitan area is the ninth largest city in the United States. Washington is located in the District of Columbia, a federal territory set aside specifically as the location of the national government.

In addition to Washington, DC proper, the Washington metropolitan area consists of parts of two neighboring states - Virginia to the southwest and Maryland to the northeast. From Virginia, it includes Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William, among other counties; and the towns of Alexandria, Arlington, Falls Church, and Fairfax City. From Maryland, it includes Charles, Prince George's, Montgomery, and Frederick Counties.

The District of Columbia was established in 1790 by an act of the United States Congress. A site was selected and by late 1791, the building of a city called Washington was begun. The city was named in honor of George Washington, the first President of the United States. In 1871, the legal structure of the territory was reshaped such that it's several parts: Washington, Georgetown, and Washington County were all combined into one entity, the District of Columbia. At that time, the city of Washington technically ceased to exist, but still, the name has endured over time.

The Washington, DC metro economy has been booming for many years. Much growth has been due to government related agencies and programs, but the city has also been very successful in expanding beyond it's government roots into technology, manufacturing, media, services, and other sectors. The region is currently home to over 15 Fortune 500 companies.

Washington, DC has a humid subtropical climate. Average summer daily high temperatures are normally in the high 80's (°F). Winter daily high temperatures are normally in the mid- to high 40's (°F). The city receives only about 100 cm of precipitation per year.

Washington, DC is a major international tourist destination. The city has an abundance of attractions, many related to the history of the United States. Some of the most well known are the Capitol Building, the Washington Monument, and the Lincoln Memorial. The city also hosts the National Gallery of Art, the Smithsonian Institution, the National Air and Space Museum, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, and many other cultural destinations.

Demographically, about 52% of the Washington, DC metro population is white / Caucasian and about 26% are African American. Hispanics and Asians are about 3% each. English is the most widely spoken language, but Washington is a very international city and many other languages are spoken, too.

Washington, DC is served by two airports, Reagan National Airport (DCA) and Dulles International Airport (IAD).